Manchester United wanted Kim Min-jae, but it is likely that they will not be able to sign him.
Global media outlet ‘Goal.com’ reported on the 18th (KST), “Manchester United’s big signing has fallen through. Bayern Munich will outbid Manchester United for 50 million euros (approximately 699 million won) for Kim Min-jae. The contract is for five years. The Bavarians are now waiting for his release clause to be triggered on July 1,” the report said.메이저놀이터
On the same day, transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media, “The deal between Munich and Kim Min-jae is in the final stages. The details will be finalized with a five-year contract. Kim hasn’t signed the contract yet, but he’s ready to accept the transfer. Unless another team offers him a higher salary next week, he will join Munich.”
Kim joined Fenerbahçe from Beijing Guoan (China) ahead of last season. He excelled in his first time playing in Europe. His performances as the first-choice defender for Fenerbahce attracted a number of clubs, but after just one year with the club, he was offered by Napoli.
Photo: Serie A
He also proved himself in the Italian Serie A, one of the top five leagues in Europe. Kim was a key defender for Napoli throughout the season, earning praise for his impressive performances. With Kim at the back, Napoli led the league from the start of the season and eventually won the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years after the 1989-90 season.
Kim also became one of the best defenders in Serie A. He won the best defender award after only one year in a Napoli jersey. His market value also increased. According to soccer statistics site TransferMarkt, Kim’s price tag, which was €6.5 million (approx. KRW 9.1 billion) when he joined Fenerbahçe, has since risen to €60 million (approx. KRW 83.9 billion).
There were transfer rumors. At first, Man United was the favorite. United were reportedly willing to pay Kim’s buyout. Kim’s contract includes a special release clause that will be activated on July 1 for a two-week period, limited to foreign clubs. The fee would be in the range of €50 million to €60 million.
However, a move to Munich has been fast-tracked. Munich are in need of defensive reinforcements. This season, the main defense combination was Mathias der Licht and Kylian Upamecano. Of the two, Upamecano has been a bit of a disappointment in the second half of the season. In addition, alternatives Luca Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard could both leave this summer.
Both Luca and Fabar are out of contract next summer. Munich would rather sell them for a fee this summer than let them become free agents a year later. They have identified Kim Min-jae as a possible replacement.
Romano said, “The contract between Kim Min-jae’s side and Munich is almost agreed. It’s just a matter of time before the release clause is triggered and the deal is finalized.” Specific terms are still emerging. The contract runs until 2028 and is worth around €10 million ($14 billion) a year.
With the move to Munich imminent, United will need to activate a Plan B. Axel Dissah is currently being considered as an alternative. The 25-year-old French center back has appeared in all 38 Ligue 1 games this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. He’s 6-foot-2 and has a strong delivery. He has also been capped by the French national soccer team.